Civil Engineering

Juan F. Nakpil is the pioneer of modern Philippine architecture.His outstanding creation is the trademark of contemporary architecture in the Philippines.

Nakpil was born on May 26 , 1899 in the district of Quiapo.His talent in drawing was already seen at a young age.He won various awards in his drawing classes during the early years of his life.In college , Nakpil took up a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kansas and graduated in 1922 ( later in 1950 he was honored by the same school as a distinguished alumnus ).

In the same year , he ventured into architecture through the encouragement of his uncle.He enrolled in 1922 at the prestigious Fontainebleau School of Fine Arts in France.Nakpil's talent in architecture was even harnessed through the teachings of Carlu and Laloux , noted architects of the Palais de Chaillot.He gained insights into European architecture particularly French Beux Art which was still popular at the time.Nakpil also excelled in France for he was listed as among the top 10 in his class.Being a Filipino in Europe at that time , Nakpil was able to continue the great triumphs of early Filipino nationalists such as Juan Luna , Felix Hidalgo and Dr. Jose Rizal , a couple of decades earlier.

Aside from having a degree in civil engineering and architecture in hand , Nakpil furthered his education by gaining the Joseph Evelyth Scholarship in 1925 at the Harvard Graduate School for Architecture.He made the county proud that time by being the only Filipino to win a design competition while he was a student of Harvard University.

In 1926 , Juan Nakpil returned to the Philippines.He worked as an assistant architect in then Bureau of Public Works.It was there where he met Anita Noble , who later became his wife and had 5 children with.In.

1928 , Nakpil joined the prestigious firm of Andres Luna de San Pedro.Some of the noted projects he had done were The Crystal Arcade and the Don Gonzalo Puyat and Sons Building.Eventually in 1930 , Nakpil opened his own firm , creating marvels of modern architecture.

Nakpil's designs showed influences of French Beaux Arts , Art Deco , and the International style which he gained by studying abroad.Although his designs were influenced greatly by westerners , Nakpil was able to merge this with his own distinct Filipino style which truly made him a great Filipino architect.Nakpil received the highest honor for his craft in 1973.He died in 1986.